Just days after joining the Green Bay Packers, veteran kicker Brandon McManus made an unforgettable debut. He kicked a 45-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Packers a thrilling 24-22 victory over the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. The last-second kick capped off a dramatic final drive and immediately cemented his value to his new team, which had been struggling with its kicking game all season.
A Veteran’s Calmness Under Pressure
The Packers signed McManus last Wednesday, hoping his experience could solve their special teams issues. The team had released rookie Brayden Narveson after he missed five field goals in the first six games. McManus quickly showed why the change was made.
When the Texans called a timeout to try and ice him before the final kick, McManus remained unfazed. He calmly lined up and drilled the field goal on his second attempt, proving his reputation as a clutch performer.
“Obviously, he’s kicked in big-time moments, so he doesn’t get flustered,” Packers safety Xavier McKinney said. “This ain’t the Super Bowl, but he doesn’t feel all that pressure.” This composure, honed over years that include a Super Bowl win, is exactly what Green Bay was looking for.
A Complete Team Victory
While McManus was the hero, the win was a total team effort. The game-winning kick was only possible because of a clutch final drive led by quarterback Jordan Love. With just 1:44 on the clock and the Packers down 22-21, Love guided the offense into field goal range.
The defense also played a massive role in the victory. The unit, led by defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, was relentless all day.
- They sacked Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud four times.
- The constant pass rush held Stroud to under 100 passing yards.
- Hafley’s creative blitz packages earned him a game ball after the win.
An Unforgettable Lambeau Debut
McManus may be a pro on the field, but he’s still learning the traditions in Green Bay. After his game-winning kick, he ran to the end zone to attempt the famous Lambeau Leap. However, he struggled to get into the stands, needing a little help from the fans in the front row.
“I definitely need to work on my hops,” McManus joked afterward. “I don’t practice jumping that much anymore.”
He also had a slight mix-up with Packers history, guessing that running back Ryan Grant might have started the tradition. It was actually created by Hall of Fame safety LeRoy Butler. But for a player who has been on the team for less than a week, a little trivia mistake is easily forgiven.
McManus’ Clutch Credentials by the Numbers
Sunday’s kick was another addition to McManus’s long list of clutch moments. The snap from Matt Orzech wasn’t perfect, but holder Daniel Whelan did an excellent job getting the ball down in time for the kick.
McManus has a proven track record of delivering when the game is on the line. His ability to perform under pressure makes him a critical asset for a Packers team with playoff aspirations.
| Kicker | Team | Clutch Kicks (Made/Attempted) |
| Brandon McManus | Green Bay Packers | 9/15 |
| Justin Tucker | Baltimore Ravens | 16/18 |
| Harrison Butker | Kansas City Chiefs | 14/17 |
Settling into Green Bay
With the win secured, McManus is now focused on getting comfortable with his new surroundings and teammates. He admitted with a laugh that many of his teammates still don’t know his name, but he is working on learning everyone else’s.
As for his post-game celebration, his plans were simple. With no family in town, he said he would “hang out with some of the teammates.” He even asked for local food recommendations, a question that will surely get plenty of answers from grateful fans. After his heroic debut, Brandon McManus likely won’t have to pay for a meal in Green Bay for a long time.
